For emerging classical music groups, it’s hard enough to make a mark locally, let alone drawing national or international attention.
But it’s a challenge that the Dallas Chamber Symphony is taking on. Adding to its piano competition, the group is launching next week a contest for violinists 18 to 35.
A main goal, said music director Richard McKay, who founded the ensemble in 2011, is to attract top-notch talent. “These are people who otherwise might not have any real reason to visit Dallas.”
Winners of the piano competition, begun in 2013, have garnered further success. After winning the DCS contest, Kenny Broberg took home the silver medal at the 2017 Cliburn International Piano Competition. Jonathan Mamora, the 2022 DCS winner, recently debuted at Carnegie Hall — and returned to solo with the DCS.
But the DCS is exploring a new pool of musicians with its violin contest. The group plans to add cello to its competition mix, as well, and run the three competitions — piano, violin and cello — in alternate years.
“It’s a goal of ours really this year to learn everything we can about the violin community so that we can expand it to other instruments,” McKay said.
Overlapping with the Cliburn International Junior Piano Competition, also in Dallas, the DCS contest is assembling 11 violinists, mostly, if not entirely, students or recent graduates from North American music programs. Countries represented include South Korea, Japan, Italy and Ukraine.
Competitors were selected via video auditions, and although McKay wouldn’t reveal the exact number of applicants, he did say that the piano competition has generally taken in over 100 each year.
The first two rounds will be held June 15-16 at the Arlington ISD Center for the Performing Arts. Quarterfinals will be concerto performances with piano accompaniment and semifinals will be solo recitals. For the June 20 finals, at Moody Performance Hall, three violinists will perform concertos with the DCS, led by Jim Stopher. Prizes top out at $2,500, and the winner will be invited back to the DCS for a concerto engagement.
Alongside the competition, a youth festival will allow local high schoolers to meet teachers and attend and perform in masterclasses.
Details
Dallas International Violin Competition: Both rounds before the finals at Arlington ISD Center for the Performing Arts, 900 E. Sanford St. in Arlington. Finals at Moody Performance Hall, 2520 Flora St., Dallas. Check the competition’s website for information on masterclasses and tickets.
Quarterfinals: 10 a.m., 1, 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. June 15. Free.
Semifinals: 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. June 16. Free.
Finals: 7:30 p.m. June 20. $29-$54.
